7 Times the Sequel was Better than the Original

Time and time again, our favourite films announce a sequel in the works. Many can never live up to the original but in some rare cases, they surpass their predecessor. Don’t believe us?

Here are 7 times the sequel was better than the original

1. Captain America – The Winter Soldier

Considering Captain America – The First Avenger didn’t set the bar very high, the second Steve Rogers film was always going to be better; or at least we hoped it would. What we didn’t expect was an excellent film and perfect follow up to Avengers Assemble. One can now even argue that the Captain America Trilogy (including Civil War) is the strongest trilogy of the franchise. Bodes well for the Russo Brothers’ helmed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers 4.

2. The Lord of the Rings – The Two Towers

While fans of the books may argue this one, it cannot be denied that The Two Towers brought us the most exhilarating battle of the franchise. The energy of the Fellowship of the Ring was carried into the Two Towers and with the team split up, we had many more stories to hold our attention. The Battle of Helms Deep was thrilling for fans but the real highlight was the introduction of a long loved character – Gollum. The keeper of the Ring before Bilbo Baggins got his hands on it, fans had eagerly anticipated his feature film debut. He was brought to life by Andy Serkis and provided some of the most memorable scenes in the instalment. I wonder how many casting directors had to sift through hundreds of self taped auditions using the scene where Gollum is talking to himself about killing Sam and Frodo?

3. Terminator 2 – Judgement Day

Probably the least controversial film on the list, Terminator 2 is hands down one of, if not the best sequel in history! Where Terminator 1laid the groundwork, Terminator 2 took it to a whole new level. Where there was an intended nod to the horror genre in the original, the sequel scrapped that aspect and went for all out action flick. From the opening credits and opening scene to the revelation that (admittedly was ruined in the promotion of the film) Arnie is now a good yet bad-ass robot and Robert Patrick is the villainous T-1000, Terminator 2 packs a punch that’s worthy of the T-800 himself…itself?…himself.

4. Star Trek II – The Wrath of Khan

Now I’m going to start by saying that under no circumstances are we claiming that this is one of the best movies of all time but in terms of a follow-on film, it’s leagues ahead of the other. It has everything a sequel needs; higher stakes, a bit of silliness, a believable villain out for revenge, character evolution and a surprise death. It keeps all the Star Trek fun and it also provided the line that everyone calls out when discussing Star Trek villains – KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!

5. Spider-Man 2

Man what a film! The introduction of Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker aka Spider-Man in the first outing was seen as a success by most people so hopes were high for the next instalment. They upped the anti in terms of the action sequences and scored, not only a great villain, but an incredible actor to portray him in Alfred Molina. He was the perfect DocOc and the storyline he was given followed the perfect villain path of good guy, bad psycho guy and finds redemption. Oh and let’s not forget the amazing scene also used in the trailer where the car is thrown through the window! All in all, it’s a great movie and still holds up well today.

6. The Dark Knight

I feel like the nay-sayers are going to think there’s only one reason The Dark Knight could possibly be better than Batman Begins and that reason is Heath Ledger. Now it cannot be denied that Ledger’s performance is a thing of acting beauty but it’s not the only reason. Aaron Eckhart and Gary Oldman also give fantastic performances as Harvey “Two Face” Dent and James Gordon and as all of the origin story is contained in Batman Begins, the story can move onto greater things. Now it’s not perfect, but it has some amazing scenes, good characters and an interesting ending.

7. Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back

Decided to end on a no-brainer. Episode 5 really did have it all – great opening sequence, the introduction of a much loved character in Yoda (and not to forget, Boba Fett), the blossoming romance, the betrayal of an old friend and one of the biggest revelations in cinematic history! The line “No, I am your father” is probably the most quoted and misquoted line ever and Episode 5 also brought us Han and Leia’s “I love you”, “I know” moment. The end was left completely up in the air and the final line is the most Star Wars-esque – “May the Force be with you”.

Hotly Debated Entry – Batman V Superman

Now Man of Steel didn’t set the bar too high but many have argued that as disappointing as Batman V Superman was, it was still a better film. Geek Irelandis split right down the middle on this one so we’re just going to leave it at that.

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About The Author

Geek Ireland Talent Manager, Film and TV enthusiast who is a Disnerd in every sense of the word: Animation, Pixar, Live action, Marvel and especially, Lucasfilm lover. Also be warned - don't talk to her before she's had at least 1 cup of tea....for your own safety.